Fandango (1985 film)
Encyclopedia
Fandango is a 1985 American film directed by Kevin Reynolds.
It was originally a 30-minute black and white student film titled "Proof" made by Reynolds while he was attending USC
film school. It was a parody of Greek life at his alma mater Baylor University
. However, due to his father's presidency at Baylor, he did not wish to portray the Baptist institution in an unfavorable light and gave it the alternate distinction as the University of Texas.
Steven Spielberg
saw the film and helped fund a feature-length comedy/drama about five college students from Texas
in 1971 who go on a "last" road trip together, celebrating the "privilege of youth" as they face graduation
, marriage
, and the draft
for the Vietnam War
.
It stars Kevin Costner
, Judd Nelson
, and Sam Robards
. The movie was released by Warner Bros.
and Amblin Entertainment
on January 25, 1985 and a DVD
of the film was released on February 15, 2005.
. Gardner Barnes (Kevin Costner
) is throwing darts at a picture of himself and his ex-girlfriend (Suzy Amis
). He rejoins the graduation party going on downstairs, but not before tearing the picture in half.
Gardner is a member of a clique
called the Groovers, whose other members include Kenneth Waggener (Sam Robards
) who's engaged to be married, and ROTC geek Phil Hicks (Judd Nelson
). Phil's parents have come to town and to the fraternity house just in time to see another Groover named Lester (Brian Cesak) pass out. (He remains unconscious for most of the film.) They also meet the strong, quiet seminary
student Dorman (Chuck Bush
).
Kenneth interrupts the festivities by announcing his student deferment
has expired and he is now to be drafted into the Army. Gardner is not surprised: his own notice came weeks before. The Groovers decide to celebrate their last days before the draft by going on a road trip, intending to stop at a notorious roadhouse
and dig up someone - or something - named "Dom" buried under a boulder on the shores of the Rio Grande
.
The Groovers drive all night before making a "rest stop." Some, most notably Phil, resist going on, but Gardner presses them on. Kenneth soon reveals he has decided to call off his engagement to Debbie on account of being drafted. Gardner reacts (strangely) with some joy and relief.
Phil's car runs out of gas and the Groovers must decide whether to walk to the nearest town or hitch. Phil is adamant about not leaving his car behind, when someone gets an idea: a train is about to pass on a railroad track parallel to the road. Dorman grabs some cable from a fence and makes a lasso. He attaches the other end to the front bumper of the car, as the train passes, Dorman lassos the back of the train. The Groovers are in the car, waiting, when Kenneth asks, "How are we going to stop?" But this is answered when the front end of the car is pulled off, leaving the car in place.
The Groovers manage to push the car to the nearest town, leave it at a garage, and eat at the Sonic
. They meet up with some townie girls (one of whom is played by E.G. Daily) and eventually end up playing in a cemetery operated by the undertaker father of one of the girls, where they come upon the tombstone of a fallen Vietnam War
veteran. Kenneth says, "I can't go (to Vietnam)." Gardner replies, "Then don't." They end up sleeping at the former movie set of Giant.
The car is repaired the next morning (though the front end does not match the car at all) and the Groovers continue on their way. Phil complains about wanting to go back - and thinks Gardner might flee to Mexico
to avoid the draft - when Kenneth shouts angrily at him. Gardner confesses they only let Phil hang with them because they felt sorry for him.
Humiliated, Phil retorts that he will take on any challenge. The group sees a sign for a parachute
school that gives jumping lessons. Phil reluctantly agrees to try it. Gardner cons the rather hippy-ish instructor, one Truman Sparks (Marvin J. McIntyre
), into giving them a free lesson.
Phil is terrified but goes up into Truman's plane anyway. Then the boys realize that Phil's pack is lacking a parachute because it is full of Truman's dirty laundry. They try desperately to warn him (there's no ground-to-plane communication) but fail. Fortunately, Truman and Phil are connected by walkie-talkie
, so when the main chute fails, Phil, scared stiff, is able to open the emergency chute on his stomach with much prompting from Truman. The Groovers get a picture for their efforts, letting Phil get some of his wounded pride back.
After discovering the charred, abandoned remains of the roadhouse, the Groovers press onward. They make it to the Rio Grande at last and dig up Dom - which turns out to be a magnum of Dom Perignon
champagne. Each takes a drink before Gardner drinks a toast to "freedom and youth."
Kenneth is disheartened; he has had second thoughts about calling off the engagement. Pondering a bit on the nature of love, Gardner decides to make things right. He calls Debbie, gets her to accept the engagement again, and arranges for transport for her from Dallas to the border town; Truman Sparks agrees to fly there and back. Through a bit of trickery, reminiscient of stone soup
, he sets up a beautiful wedding for Kenneth and Debbie. Debbie and Gardner share one last dance before she goes. (She is the girl whose picture Gardner threw darts at earlier).
After the ceremony, Phil lets Kenneth and Debbie have his car as a wedding present. Lester goes to hitch a ride "anywhere" and Phil and Dorman shake hands before leaving. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the town and more specifically viewing the remaining lights of the wedding reception, Gardner lifts a beer in salute to his friends, leaving us to wonder if he has left without saying goodbye in order travel on to Mexico, thus avoiding the draft, or has he left his friends to avoid the pain of their departure and the last "Groover" adventure.
thesis film, "Proof" from 1980. The screenplay for "Proof" was seen by Steven Spielberg, who offered to produce the project which became Fandango through his company, Amblin Entertainment.
praised Kevin Reynolds' "way with the sight gags and off-the-wall humor that make this a notable debut. And he brings a good deal of feeling to the moments in which the film's twin specters - Vietnam and maturity - intrude upon the frantic festivities." The Globe and Mail also praised the direction: "Reynolds shows an uncanny confidence with the camera, a sureness which is backed up by a powerful visual sensitivity and an ear for language, especially the vernacular of Texas, where the film is set." Quentin Tarantino was quoted in Empire as follows: "Fandango is one of the best directorial debuts in the history of cinema. I saw Fandango five times at the movie theater and it only played for a fucking week, all right."
Steven Spielberg was so disappointed with the finished film, he took his name off of the credits and the movie was released to very few cinemas grossing less than US$100,000. However, through television and video, Fandango grew in popularity and, in July 2010, fans held a 25th anniversary celebration at the filming locations .
Suzi Amis and Sam Robards followed their characters' fates and married in 1986.
It was originally a 30-minute black and white student film titled "Proof" made by Reynolds while he was attending USC
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
film school. It was a parody of Greek life at his alma mater Baylor University
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
. However, due to his father's presidency at Baylor, he did not wish to portray the Baptist institution in an unfavorable light and gave it the alternate distinction as the University of Texas.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg
Steven Allan Spielberg KBE is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as an...
saw the film and helped fund a feature-length comedy/drama about five college students from Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
in 1971 who go on a "last" road trip together, celebrating the "privilege of youth" as they face graduation
Graduation
Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graduates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also...
, marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
, and the draft
Conscription
Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of people in some sort of national service, most often military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and continues in some countries to the present day under various names...
for the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
It stars Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner
Kevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
, Judd Nelson
Judd Nelson
Judd Asher Nelson is an American actor. He is best known for being a member of the "Brat Pack" in the mid-1980s; and for his roles as John Bender in The Breakfast Club, Alec Newbary in St...
, and Sam Robards
Sam Robards
Sam Prideaux Robards is an American actor.-Life and career:Robards was born in New York City, the son of actors Jason Robards and Lauren Bacall. He began his acting career in 1980 in an off-Broadway production of Album, and made his feature film debut in director Paul Mazursky's 1982 film Tempest....
. The movie was released by Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
and Amblin Entertainment
Amblin Entertainment
Amblin Entertainment is an American film and television production company founded by director and producer Steven Spielberg and film producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in 1981. Amblin is only a production company, and has never distributed its own movies, nor has it fully financed its...
on January 25, 1985 and a DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
of the film was released on February 15, 2005.
Plot
It is 1971 at a fraternity house on the University of Texas campus in Austin, TexasAustin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
. Gardner Barnes (Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner
Kevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
) is throwing darts at a picture of himself and his ex-girlfriend (Suzy Amis
Suzy Amis
Susan Elizabeth "Suzy" Amis is an American former film actress and former model.-Career:Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Amis first worked as a Ford model before she began acting in the 1980s. She made her feature film debut in the 1985 comedy film Fandango, opposite Kevin Costner...
). He rejoins the graduation party going on downstairs, but not before tearing the picture in half.
Gardner is a member of a clique
Clique
A clique is an exclusive group of people who share common interests, views, purposes, patterns of behavior, or ethnicity. A clique as a reference group can be either normative or comparative. Membership in a clique is typically exclusive, and qualifications for membership may be social or...
called the Groovers, whose other members include Kenneth Waggener (Sam Robards
Sam Robards
Sam Prideaux Robards is an American actor.-Life and career:Robards was born in New York City, the son of actors Jason Robards and Lauren Bacall. He began his acting career in 1980 in an off-Broadway production of Album, and made his feature film debut in director Paul Mazursky's 1982 film Tempest....
) who's engaged to be married, and ROTC geek Phil Hicks (Judd Nelson
Judd Nelson
Judd Asher Nelson is an American actor. He is best known for being a member of the "Brat Pack" in the mid-1980s; and for his roles as John Bender in The Breakfast Club, Alec Newbary in St...
). Phil's parents have come to town and to the fraternity house just in time to see another Groover named Lester (Brian Cesak) pass out. (He remains unconscious for most of the film.) They also meet the strong, quiet seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
student Dorman (Chuck Bush
Chuck Bush
Charles R. Bush III is a filmmaker primarily known for co-starring with Kevin Costner in the 1985 film Fandango. In recent years Bush has become known as an entertainment entrepreneur, expanding his business holdings to film and television companies, a record label and a video game development...
).
Kenneth interrupts the festivities by announcing his student deferment
Conscription in the United States
Conscription in the United States has been employed several times, usually during war but also during the nominal peace of the Cold War...
has expired and he is now to be drafted into the Army. Gardner is not surprised: his own notice came weeks before. The Groovers decide to celebrate their last days before the draft by going on a road trip, intending to stop at a notorious roadhouse
Roadhouse (facility)
A roadhouse is a commercial establishment typically built on a major road or highway, to service passing travellers. Its meaning varies slightly by country.-USA:...
and dig up someone - or something - named "Dom" buried under a boulder on the shores of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
.
The Groovers drive all night before making a "rest stop." Some, most notably Phil, resist going on, but Gardner presses them on. Kenneth soon reveals he has decided to call off his engagement to Debbie on account of being drafted. Gardner reacts (strangely) with some joy and relief.
Phil's car runs out of gas and the Groovers must decide whether to walk to the nearest town or hitch. Phil is adamant about not leaving his car behind, when someone gets an idea: a train is about to pass on a railroad track parallel to the road. Dorman grabs some cable from a fence and makes a lasso. He attaches the other end to the front bumper of the car, as the train passes, Dorman lassos the back of the train. The Groovers are in the car, waiting, when Kenneth asks, "How are we going to stop?" But this is answered when the front end of the car is pulled off, leaving the car in place.
The Groovers manage to push the car to the nearest town, leave it at a garage, and eat at the Sonic
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, complete with carhops who sometimes wear rollerskates. As of August 31, 2010, there were 3,500 restaurants in 43 U.S. states. Sonic serves approximately 3 million customers daily.-1950s:Following...
. They meet up with some townie girls (one of whom is played by E.G. Daily) and eventually end up playing in a cemetery operated by the undertaker father of one of the girls, where they come upon the tombstone of a fallen Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
veteran. Kenneth says, "I can't go (to Vietnam)." Gardner replies, "Then don't." They end up sleeping at the former movie set of Giant.
The car is repaired the next morning (though the front end does not match the car at all) and the Groovers continue on their way. Phil complains about wanting to go back - and thinks Gardner might flee to Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
to avoid the draft - when Kenneth shouts angrily at him. Gardner confesses they only let Phil hang with them because they felt sorry for him.
Humiliated, Phil retorts that he will take on any challenge. The group sees a sign for a parachute
Parachute
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic lift. Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally silk, now most commonly nylon...
school that gives jumping lessons. Phil reluctantly agrees to try it. Gardner cons the rather hippy-ish instructor, one Truman Sparks (Marvin J. McIntyre
Marvin J. McIntyre
Marvin J. McIntyre, sometimes billed as Marvin McIntyre is an actor with more than thirty years worth of screen appearances. His credits include:*Fandango *Pale Rider *Silverado *Short Circuit...
), into giving them a free lesson.
Phil is terrified but goes up into Truman's plane anyway. Then the boys realize that Phil's pack is lacking a parachute because it is full of Truman's dirty laundry. They try desperately to warn him (there's no ground-to-plane communication) but fail. Fortunately, Truman and Phil are connected by walkie-talkie
Walkie-talkie
A walkie-talkie is a hand-held, portable, two-way radio transceiver. Its development during the Second World War has been variously credited to Donald L. Hings, radio engineer Alfred J. Gross, and engineering teams at Motorola...
, so when the main chute fails, Phil, scared stiff, is able to open the emergency chute on his stomach with much prompting from Truman. The Groovers get a picture for their efforts, letting Phil get some of his wounded pride back.
After discovering the charred, abandoned remains of the roadhouse, the Groovers press onward. They make it to the Rio Grande at last and dig up Dom - which turns out to be a magnum of Dom Perignon
Dom Pérignon (wine)
Dom Pérignon is a brand of vintage Champagne produced by the Champagne house Moët & Chandon and serves as that house's prestige champagne. It is named after Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk who was an important quality pioneer for Champagne wine but who, contrary to popular myths, did not discover...
champagne. Each takes a drink before Gardner drinks a toast to "freedom and youth."
Kenneth is disheartened; he has had second thoughts about calling off the engagement. Pondering a bit on the nature of love, Gardner decides to make things right. He calls Debbie, gets her to accept the engagement again, and arranges for transport for her from Dallas to the border town; Truman Sparks agrees to fly there and back. Through a bit of trickery, reminiscient of stone soup
Stone soup
Stone Soup is an old folk story in which hungry strangers persuade local people of a town to give them food. It is usually told as a lesson in cooperation, especially amid scarcity. In varying traditions, the stone has been replaced with other common inedible objects, and therefore the fable is...
, he sets up a beautiful wedding for Kenneth and Debbie. Debbie and Gardner share one last dance before she goes. (She is the girl whose picture Gardner threw darts at earlier).
After the ceremony, Phil lets Kenneth and Debbie have his car as a wedding present. Lester goes to hitch a ride "anywhere" and Phil and Dorman shake hands before leaving. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the town and more specifically viewing the remaining lights of the wedding reception, Gardner lifts a beer in salute to his friends, leaving us to wonder if he has left without saying goodbye in order travel on to Mexico, thus avoiding the draft, or has he left his friends to avoid the pain of their departure and the last "Groover" adventure.
Cast
- Kevin CostnerKevin CostnerKevin Michael Costner is an American actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and businessman. He has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards, won two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Costner's roles include Lt. John J...
as Gardner Barnes - Judd NelsonJudd NelsonJudd Asher Nelson is an American actor. He is best known for being a member of the "Brat Pack" in the mid-1980s; and for his roles as John Bender in The Breakfast Club, Alec Newbary in St...
as Phil Hicks - Sam RobardsSam RobardsSam Prideaux Robards is an American actor.-Life and career:Robards was born in New York City, the son of actors Jason Robards and Lauren Bacall. He began his acting career in 1980 in an off-Broadway production of Album, and made his feature film debut in director Paul Mazursky's 1982 film Tempest....
as Kenneth Waggener - Chuck BushChuck BushCharles R. Bush III is a filmmaker primarily known for co-starring with Kevin Costner in the 1985 film Fandango. In recent years Bush has become known as an entertainment entrepreneur, expanding his business holdings to film and television companies, a record label and a video game development...
as Dorman - Brian Cesak as Lester Griffin
- Marvin J. McIntyreMarvin J. McIntyreMarvin J. McIntyre, sometimes billed as Marvin McIntyre is an actor with more than thirty years worth of screen appearances. His credits include:*Fandango *Pale Rider *Silverado *Short Circuit...
as Truman Sparks - E.G. Daily as Judy
- Suzy AmisSuzy AmisSusan Elizabeth "Suzy" Amis is an American former film actress and former model.-Career:Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Amis first worked as a Ford model before she began acting in the 1980s. She made her feature film debut in the 1985 comedy film Fandango, opposite Kevin Costner...
as The Girl - Glenne HeadlyGlenne HeadlyGlenne Aimee Headly is an American actress of film, stage and television.-Early life:Glenne Headly was born in New London, Connecticut and her first years were spent living under the care of her mother in San Francisco and her maternal grandmother in Pennsylvania...
as Trelis - Stanley Grover as Phil's Dad
- Jane A. Johnston as Phil's Mom
Production
The skydiving sequence in Fandango is shot-for-shot taken from Kevin Reynolds's USCUniversity of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
thesis film, "Proof" from 1980. The screenplay for "Proof" was seen by Steven Spielberg, who offered to produce the project which became Fandango through his company, Amblin Entertainment.
Reception
In her review for the New York Times, Janet MaslinJanet Maslin
Janet Maslin is an American journalist, best known as a film and literary critic for The New York Times. She served as the Times film critic from 1977–1999.- Biography :...
praised Kevin Reynolds' "way with the sight gags and off-the-wall humor that make this a notable debut. And he brings a good deal of feeling to the moments in which the film's twin specters - Vietnam and maturity - intrude upon the frantic festivities." The Globe and Mail also praised the direction: "Reynolds shows an uncanny confidence with the camera, a sureness which is backed up by a powerful visual sensitivity and an ear for language, especially the vernacular of Texas, where the film is set." Quentin Tarantino was quoted in Empire as follows: "Fandango is one of the best directorial debuts in the history of cinema. I saw Fandango five times at the movie theater and it only played for a fucking week, all right."
Steven Spielberg was so disappointed with the finished film, he took his name off of the credits and the movie was released to very few cinemas grossing less than US$100,000. However, through television and video, Fandango grew in popularity and, in July 2010, fans held a 25th anniversary celebration at the filming locations .
Suzi Amis and Sam Robards followed their characters' fates and married in 1986.